Clemons, Reihner bask in Rose Bowl spotlight

Brandon Clemons found himself mesmerized by the pageantry and spectacle of the Rose Bowl.

Standing inside a sold out stadium filled by more than 95,000 fans, the Delaware Valley graduate was captivated by the scene he had only dreamed about when he committed to play football at Michigan State University years earlier. His tidal wave of emotion carried into the traditional New Year's Day clash that celebrated 100 years Wednesday afternoon beneath glorious sunshine in Pasadena, Calif.

The 6-foot-3, 297-pound sophomore defensive tackle assisted on two tackles, including one for a loss in the Spartans' 24-20 victory over Stanford.

"It really was amazing," Clemons said Thursday. "That was definitely the most people I had ever played in front of and it was loud. I knew I was going to get some playing time, too, so that made me a little nervous. Here I was, I didn't play that much all year and we are in the biggest game of the year and I was going to play.

"It was unbelievable."

On the opposing sideline, Scranton Prep graduate Kevin Reihner, a backup offensive lineman for the Cardinal, didn't get the outcome he and his teammates desired, but having the opportunity to play in the treasured postseason classic left an equally lasting impression.

"It certainly was special," Reihner said. "It being the 100th game, there were so many things that we got to participate in all week that showcased the history of the game.

"We are entering a new era with the playoff format, but the Rose Bowl is truly what college football is all about."

During this Big Ten championship season for Michigan State, Clemons had seen some time in five games. In the days leading up to the bowl, it became apparent to him he would be used in certain situations against the massive Stanford offensive line that had a reputation of overpowering teams and paving the way for a ground game that averaged more than 200 yards per game.

The Spartans limited Stanford to 162 yards rushing, and in the game's defining moment, Clemons watched his teammates submarine the Stanford blockers, created a pile and freed linebacker Kyler Elsworth to launch himself to stuff fullback Ryan Hewitt short of a first down, essentially ending the game.

"That was unbelievable," Clemons said. "That was just our defense making a statement. All season not too many people talked a lot about us. We were really the only ones who believed."

With two years of eligibility remaining, Clemons will look to carry this momentum into the offseason as he attempts to crack the starting lineup, whether it be on offense or defense.

"It's interesting, because we may need some help on the offensive line and I was taking some reps at guard," Clemons said. "However it goes, I am going to work really hard, especially coming off an experience like this."

For Reihner, the harsh reality of the season-ending loss hit home when he saw the sadness on the faces of his graduating teammates.

But it also marked a new beginning for the 6-4, 295-pound junior center, who is looking forward to spring practice and seizing his chance to play.

"It was tough seeing those seniors, who have given so much and helped lead this program to four straight BCS games," Reihner said. "It's hard knowing that you aren't going to be teammates with those guys again.

"Spring ball means a new life and the coaches play guys who play well."

Military Bowl

Sal Conaboy has played a big part in a turnaround at the University of Maryland, which lost to Marshall, 31-20, in the Military Bowl on Dec. 27 at Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD.

In his second season as a starter at center, the former Abington Heights standout helped the Terps bounce back from a 4-8 season in 2012 to 7-6 this year.

"The bowl game was a great experience," Conaboy said. "It was a lot of fun. The whole season was great, especially after last year. Once we were bowl eligible, you could just see every one's attitude change."

Maryland started the season with four straight wins and spent time ranked among the Top 25. The Terps finished the season averaging 396.9 yards per game.

And that leaves the 6-3, 290-pound Conaboy eager to get started for his senior season.

"I just keep my head down and keep working hard," Conaboy said. "I am trying my best to pull guys along. We have faced some adversity and bounced back, so I'm really looking forward to next season."

Advocare V100 Bowl

Paul Gaughan didn't get a chance to play for Boston College in its 42-19 loss to Arizona in the Advocare V100 Bowl at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La. on New Year's Eve.

That didn't lessen the experience for the 6-6, 303-pound sophomore center from Dunmore.

"It was awesome," said Gaughan, who is recovering from late-season knee surgery. "Obviously, we didn't have the outcome we wanted, but we had a huge improvement from last season and to be able to be in a bowl game was very exciting."

Gaughan, who appeared in six games in 2012, played against North Carolina and Syracuse this season. In coach Steve Addazio's first season, Boston College improved to 7-6 after going 2-10 in 2012. Running back Andre Williams had more than 2,000 yards rushing and was a finalist in the Heisman Trophy voting.

"We all bought into this new system and culture," Gaughan said. "Having Andre put us back on the national scene and up for the Heisman was great.

"I am looking forward to getting back and working my way into the lineup for next season."

Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com @JobyFawcett26

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